School district still holds ‘continuous improvement’ rank

Columbus - The Ohio Department of Education reported Aug. 16 the results of the 2004-05 Local Report Cards, and

the Bedford school district is rated “continuous improvement” again this year.

This is the third year that districts and schools have been rated by Ohio’s new accountability system, which measures current achievement and improvement using 23 performance indicators, a performance index, growth calculation and Adequate Yearly Progress.

According to the ODE districts with a performance index score- the average test performance of fourth and sixth-graders based on a scale of 0-120, of 80 percent or higher will receive a rating of at least continuous improvement. Bedford received a score of 82.3.

“We are very proud of our results,” said Superintendent Marty Motsco. “I believe this is because of dedicated teachers and a strong curriculum.”

Motsco said she also believes the district benefits from data analysis by teachers and administrators.

“We look at test results from students to determine what areas they need to improve upon,” she said.

Motsco said she is especially proud of Bedford High School for receiving an effective rating as a building.

“Teachers and administrators all across the district should be commended for this,” she said. “A quality education doesn’t start in the ninth grade.”

Both Heskett Middle School and Carylwood Intermediate School received continuous improvement ratings, but Aurora Upper Intermediate School and Columbus Intermediate school received academic watch ratings.

Motsco said that Aurora and Columbus were close to having continuous improvement ratings. With a 79.1 percent performance index score, Aurora was nine-tenths of a point away from continuous improvement and Columbus was seven-tenths of a point away with a performance index score of 79.3.

Motsco said district officials and educators will continue to collaborate on new ways to improve scores.

“Our work is not done. Our goal is excellence,” Motsco said.

Board President Joe Allie agreed.

“I am pleased that the district is in continuing improvement,” Allie said. “But we need to continue until we reach excellence.”

Officials say there is improvement also on the state level.

According to Dr. Mitch Chester, associate superintendent for policy and accountability for ODE, two out of three districts received excellent or effective ratings on the Report Cards.

Eighty-five percent of districts received proficient ratings, which include excellent, effective or continuous improvement designations. The lower designations are academic watch and academic emergency.